Benefits Specialist
LHH, Overland Park, KS, United States
The Benefits Specialist is responsible for the day‑to‑day administration and compliance of all employer-sponsored benefit programs, including insurance plans, retirement plans, and leave programs. This role serves as the primary point of contact for employee and manager benefits inquiries, processes monthly vendor invoices, supports annual benefit audits, and partners closely with payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions and data integrity. A working knowledge of payroll processes is required. Experience with ESOP administration and bilingual communication skills are a plus.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Benefits Program Management: Administer all employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, FSA/HSA plans, life insurance, disability, EAP, wellness initiatives, and voluntary benefits. Benefits Program Management: Manage COBRA administration, including notifications, enrollment, and coordination with the COBRA administrator. Benefits Program Management: Support the evaluation and selection of benefits vendors by providing subject‑matter expertise and recommendations. Benefits Program Management: Handle daily benefits operations, including issue resolution, life event processing, plan interpretation, and policy support. Benefits Program Management: Plan and manage the annual open enrollment process. Benefits Program Management: Generate and distribute monthly wellness participation reports. Benefits Program Management: Provide payroll with necessary information to ensure accurate benefit deductions. Benefits Program Management: Support HR and Finance during special projects, including benefits‑related components of mergers and acquisitions. Leave & Compliance Administration
Administer leave of absence programs, including FMLA, ADA, short‑term disability, and organizational leave policies; coordinate with workers’ compensation as needed. Process leave certifications in compliance with company policies and regulations. Provide case management for leave administration, including communication of approvals, denials, extensions, recertifications, and return‑to‑work plans. Oversee short‑term disability claims, including coordination with carriers and communication with employees and managers. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws governing benefits and leave programs. Oversee administration and compliance of the organization’s 401(k) plan, including enrollments, contributions, annual testing, and employee education. Serve as the primary contact for the retirement plan provider. Coordinate completion of the annual audit. Conduct regular meetings with new hires and current participants to address retirement benefit questions. Interpret and administer retirement benefits per plan documents. Draft and distribute communications to participants and beneficiaries. ESOP Compliance & Administration (If Applicable)
Assist with Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) administration, reporting, and employee education. Act as a liaison with third‑party ESOP administrators. Oversee enrollment and communication to ensure employees understand their ownership benefits. General HR Support
Support HR functions as needed, including new hire orientation, performance management, talent acquisition, and various HR projects or initiatives. Qualifications & Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; SHRM certification preferred. 3–5 years of experience in benefits administration, including retirement and leave management. Strong understanding of payroll processes and benefit deductions. Knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and related regulations. ESOP administration experience is a plus. Strong analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills. Proficiency with HRIS and benefits administration systems. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
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Benefits Program Management: Administer all employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, FSA/HSA plans, life insurance, disability, EAP, wellness initiatives, and voluntary benefits. Benefits Program Management: Manage COBRA administration, including notifications, enrollment, and coordination with the COBRA administrator. Benefits Program Management: Support the evaluation and selection of benefits vendors by providing subject‑matter expertise and recommendations. Benefits Program Management: Handle daily benefits operations, including issue resolution, life event processing, plan interpretation, and policy support. Benefits Program Management: Plan and manage the annual open enrollment process. Benefits Program Management: Generate and distribute monthly wellness participation reports. Benefits Program Management: Provide payroll with necessary information to ensure accurate benefit deductions. Benefits Program Management: Support HR and Finance during special projects, including benefits‑related components of mergers and acquisitions. Leave & Compliance Administration
Administer leave of absence programs, including FMLA, ADA, short‑term disability, and organizational leave policies; coordinate with workers’ compensation as needed. Process leave certifications in compliance with company policies and regulations. Provide case management for leave administration, including communication of approvals, denials, extensions, recertifications, and return‑to‑work plans. Oversee short‑term disability claims, including coordination with carriers and communication with employees and managers. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws governing benefits and leave programs. Oversee administration and compliance of the organization’s 401(k) plan, including enrollments, contributions, annual testing, and employee education. Serve as the primary contact for the retirement plan provider. Coordinate completion of the annual audit. Conduct regular meetings with new hires and current participants to address retirement benefit questions. Interpret and administer retirement benefits per plan documents. Draft and distribute communications to participants and beneficiaries. ESOP Compliance & Administration (If Applicable)
Assist with Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) administration, reporting, and employee education. Act as a liaison with third‑party ESOP administrators. Oversee enrollment and communication to ensure employees understand their ownership benefits. General HR Support
Support HR functions as needed, including new hire orientation, performance management, talent acquisition, and various HR projects or initiatives. Qualifications & Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; SHRM certification preferred. 3–5 years of experience in benefits administration, including retirement and leave management. Strong understanding of payroll processes and benefit deductions. Knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, and related regulations. ESOP administration experience is a plus. Strong analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills. Proficiency with HRIS and benefits administration systems. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
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